4 Sony Alpha digital cameras announced

We just got word that Sony has launched these 4 cameras overseas: the Alpha A55 and A33 interchangeable-lens shooters which make use of the company’s Translucent Mirror technology (TMT) and the full HD-video-shootin’ couple, the Alpha A580 and A560 DSLRs. We’d love to take these 4 for a spin as soon as they become available here in the Philippines.

A55

A33

Sony Alpha A55 and A33

Because they utilize TMT, expect continuous phase-detect autofocus while capturing images at a blistering 10fps (for the A55)/7fps (for the A33) speed from ’em. Both are capable of shooting in full HD AVCHD video as well as in the more Web-friendly MP4 format. Sony also slapped the A55 and A33 with Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensors (16.2-megapixels for the A55 and 14.2 for the A33) and BIONZ imaging processors.

The 2 each come with a 3-inch, 920,600 resolution display and a 15-point AF system for fast, high-precision focusing even on rapidly moving objects.

The A55 and A33 will be available in October and September for $750 and $650 (about P34,500 and P29,900 – body only), respectively. Add $100 (about P4,600), and you’ll get a 18-55mm zoom lens.

A580

A560

Sony Alpha A580 and A560

Sony’s follow-ups to the Alpha A550 are both capable of shooting full HD video at AVCHD 1080i or in MP4 format. And just like the A55 and A33, the couple also comes with BIONZ imaging processors and Exmor HD CMOS sensors.

Both the 16.2-megapixel A580 and 14.2-megapixel A560 are gifted with a 3-inch articulating (can be shifted horizontally or vertically) LCD display, provisions for 100-12,800 ISO ranges, support for Memory Stick Pro Duo and SDHC/SDXC cards as well as an optical viewfinder with 95% frame coverage. The 2 likewise have a 3D sweep panorama feature for wide, detail-rich panoramas (with huge field of view) that can be played on 3D TVs.

The A580 and A560 will be available in October and Q1 2011 for €900 and €800 (about P51,600 and P45,800), respectively.